Author's Notes: I'm glad that everyone liked Kevin's intro (well, almost everyone). Now we're on to the next chapter.


Chapter 9: The Returner

Kevin certainly had grown in the time he had been gone, or at least, in the two and half years everyone else thought he had been gone. He had discarded his red cap, intent on letting everyone see his hair, which he had decided to let grow back out. Still he wore a green hoodie, though it was now a darker green. More like an army green.

"Been a while Double D." Kevin said. He took his usual seat in the alley, a rusting steel barrel. "I think we need to spread out our meetings a bit more. The colonel getting suspicious."

Double D chuckled. "He wasn't before? We meet once a month for a status update."

Both he and Kevin shared a good hearty laugh, the first that that they had had, or heard, for quite sometime. After a few moments, they had finally calmed down enough get to the serious stuff. At this time, Double D would jump on the roof and look over the area before proceeding. This was to make sure no one was eavesdropping on them. However, from now on, all he had to do was use his heat and x-ray vision to give the place a good look over.

Satisfied that there was no one other than them, he proceeded. "I heard that you made the rank of lieutenant. Congratulations." He mockingly held his hand out for a shake, but Kevin took it anyway.

"In another world maybe. So, Nazz got my letter." Kevin said. He scratched his head, suddenly looking very regretful. "Does she still hate me for leaving?"

Double D slowly shook his head. "I can only guess. But, as for the others, hell yeah they're angry." He laid his hand on Kevin's shoulder, trying to reassure him. "What we did was for the betterment of the group. We've all suffered from it, but you the most, even more so than myself." Kevin looked up, looking more relieved.

"You've lied to protect your family and that would hurt anyone."

Kevin smiled. "First we were a team, now we're a family?" He laid his head back, resting it against the shed's wall. "Did Marie come up with that?" Double D smiled wide and nodded. "Feels nice to be part of a family again."

Suddenly Kevin jump of the barrel and turned to Double D. "So anyway, now that I'm a Lieutenant, I could dig deeper than before." From his hoodie, he revealed a small stack of files. They were all copies of official military and government documents. "You're hunch was dead on. Metchel is up to something big, real big."

Double D opened the folder and the very first paper was titled 'UPDATE: PROJECT ZEUS':

"Sent to: COLONEL- Teverson, Jerald- Lemon Brook Armed Forces Base

From: XXXXXXXX (Requires Security Clearance 9-13 to reveal sender)

'Project Zeus' has been officially terminated. Stated reasons: the betrayal of Dr. Ivan Metchel. Suspect has secretly been funneling money to fund an underground anti-government army while also providing assistance with the X-ians, the fruits of 'Project Zeus'. The owner of a pawn shop is also believed to be involved in the relationship between this army and Metchel. The United States Government orders your base to search and apprehend the renegade doctor and put down this underground army. You must do this while making public awareness minuet or we may face a civil war.

You are also ordered to capture and coerce any X-ians you locate into aiding the effort to find Metchel. If you are unsuccessful, issue Order 1LMB0 (see attachment file). Sources report the main source of the army's weaponry is Lemon Brook City's 'The Niche'. Proceed how you see fit while maintaining protocol."

"So, what I am has a name other than human now?" Double D thought aloud. "X-ian sounds good, though."

Kevin shrugged, not really caring what the government called the genetically enhanced. "From what I can gather up, Metchel wants to use this terrorist army to overthrow the government, so he can be in control."

"This is why he had me deliver the alien artifact to the pawn shop owner, Van." Double D sighed. "He must be planning to make them X-ians. He's seems to be obsessed with the idea that they're the future of the human race."

"There's only one problem…" Kevin started. "Only people with a specific gene sequence can become X-ians. You, Double D, are one of the few." Double D folded his arms, letting Kevin know he had figured out that much on his own. "So what's next?"

"So, what's Order 1LMB0?" Double D asked.

Kevin sighed and rested his head in one of his hands. "There the government's answer to the 'rogue' X-ians. They're called Black Boxes. Tech and drug enhanced soldiers that, for short 'bursts', can go toe to toe with an X-ian." Kevin went into detail that by 'burst' he meant that the black box-like container on the soldier's back would inject a drug the temporarily increased the person's adrenaline, which would increase speed and strength enough to fight an X-ian. "But the problem is that the drugs affect their minds, makes them a bit…" He started twirling his finger around his ear.

"Sounds horrible."

"Nah, most of 'em were nuts to begin with."

"So, I guess the hunt is on then?" Double D stated. He carefully looked through the contents of the files. Then, as per the protocol he and Kevin set up, threw the files in a steel barrel and threw in several lit matches. He and Kevin watched as the files quickly caught fire and burned.

But no matter how Double D looked at it, something still didn't add up. Why would Metchel, whose sole wish was to revolutionize all of humanity, try something so simple as to just try and take over the United States?


"Why, with the army of X-ians under his influence that he as now, would help some underground rebellion do it?"
Double D thought. "He could just set Wes in the capital alone and let him go loose and win. Something isn't right."

Double D sighed. No need to give himself a headache trying to figure out Metchel's vast perverse schemes in one sitting. "Hey, Kevin, it's been awhile since we've hung out in a casual environment. So how about we go to a café or something."

"Sure." Kevin said. "My treat."


It had been a while since Ed and Eddy had been to this part of The Niche. A longer while than they thought apparently. It seemed that with time, this place had only gotten rougher. Some of these guys the Eds remembered from their last visit, when Eddy was supposedly stabbed. However this time it was different…

This time, the Eds had guns. And having a genetically enhanced super soldier totting about a dozen rifles and small handguns on their side didn't hurt either.

"I don't like how this place looks Eddy." Ed said in a hushed voice.

Eddy gave him a mockingly sympathetic pat. "Relax Ed, we'll be fine. We're professional mercenaries." He looked over a small group of people who were glaring at them. He gave them a raspberry and a thumbs down. "They're just thugs."

But it seemed these "thugs" didn't like to be snubbed, and three particularly nasty looking ones wanted to give Eddy a piece of their minds. Walking right up to them, the giants towered over even Ed, who was also a much prettier sight than these three.

"You gots a problem with us, tiny?" The tallest and meanest of them said. One of men behind him pulled out a large nailed bat, the other whipped out a pocket knife. "We don't dig trash talk here, kiddies."

"Look at 'em, boss." The one with the bat chuckled while putting at Amy. "Their so wimpy the have the girls hauling their gear." He walked behind her and attempting to push her forward. "How's about you ditch these no shines and hang out with us. We'll make you feel real go-"

He was cut off however, when Amy dropped all her guns, spun around and elbowed him in the face, all in one smooth motion. Everything below the man's nose was bloody and two of his teeth were lying on the ground in front of him.

"My face!" He hollered, clutching his bleeding mouth and nose. The he furrowed his eyebrows as much as they could. He picked up the bat and brought it over his head, intent on smashing Amy's skull into her brain. "I'll kill you, ya bit-"

He silenced himself however, when he felt something metallic tap the back of his head. The man turned and saw Eddy aiming his rifle at point blank range while Ed held a pistol at the other two.

"It ain't polite to hit a lady." Eddy said. He tapped the barrel against the guy's head again, harder this type. "Now, drop the bat or I'll drop the hammer." He cocked the guy to prove his point.

Amy cracked a smile, albeit a small one. "I would say 'My hero' but I could have handled this myself-" She stopped when they all heard a bang and Eddy's hands seemed to exploded in a fountain of blood. The three kids watch in shock as Eddy fell over clutching his bleeding hands between his knees as the three thugs chuckled.

"Eddy!" Ed said, dropping his gun and rushing to his friend's side. "Don't worry, we'll get you help."

"No use running now." The leader thug said. "Our buddy has you in his sights, if anyone of yous moves, he won't be aiming for hands next time."

"Coward." Marie grumbled.

Amy, though she didn't like the tight spot they were in now, couldn't help but nod the strategy. "So you place someone with a gun somewhere just in case things don't go your way? Got to say, you're smart thugs."

The thugs chuckled, thinking that they finally had the kids afraid. "So, if ya don't want anymore trouble, we'll take the girls as payment." He smiled even wider just thinking about what they could do with them. "They'll keep us happy for a few nights. But before that…"

His two goons grabbed and pulled Amy, Ed, and Marie away from the still wailing Eddy as he walked over to Eddy's side and kicked at Eddy.

One in the knee.

Ten times he stomped on Eddy's already broken and bleeding hands.

They didn't want to count the number of times he kicked Eddy in the gut.

"That's for threatening to shoot one of my posse!" He growled.

Amy yearned to do something to help. "But my guns and Ed's are out of reach and if I move, I might be able to take out the sniper, but then these three will be undefended. If I try to take out the three thugs here, then the sniper will fire." She hugged herself tighter, trying to figure out a solution.

BANG! BANG!

Two simultaneous shots rung out. The dirt around the thug leader's foot exploded as the round struck. The other was only to grab the attention of everyone there. Everyone's eyes trailed their way to an alleyway opening, where Kevin stood holding his gun at the thugs while Double D held a fourth thug and one of his guns aimed at the sky.

"Are we interrupting something?" Kevin asked mockingly.

Double D redirected his gun at them. "Step away from my friends and leave. If you try anything, I will shoot to kill."

The fourth thug fainted so Double D dropped him and pulled out his second gun. He cocked them both. "Leave. Now." He said in a commanding voice. The thugs dropped their weapons and ran. Double D didn't waste anytime and flashed over to Eddy.

"Let's get you back to the café." Double D was about to pick him up when Eddy pointed. Double D followed it direction to Kevin and back to Eddy's face which, pain aside, definitely did not seemed pleased.

"What's he doing here?" He said staring at Kevin with as much hatred as he could muster before falling unconscious. Double D frowned as Ed picked up Eddy while looking at Kevin in similar disgust. Marie looked from him to Kevin, looking very confused.

Double D watched as his team left the scene before looking back at it himself. Someone would find the knife, bat, unconscious thug, gun, blood and used rounds eventually. He didn't have time to clean it up, so he prayed that hopefully whoever found it wouldn't care. He was about to turn away when something caught his eye. Something glowed in one of the alleys. When he looked again it was gone.

"Probably just the sun shining off something." He said, not quite sure himself. He glanced back, just to be sure, but again there was nothing.


Wes watched from the alley as they left. He saw the whole thing and hoped that Double D didn't see him because of his glowing hair. After Double D left, he walked out his hiding place. He picked up Ed's forgotten gun, left behind when Eddy's safety took the group's priority.

"Ed's fingerprint might lead the police to Double D." Wes thought almost robotically as he stuffed the gun into a spare holster on his belt. Next he proceeded to the small pool of blood.

Wes grunted. "This will be a problem. How can I clean this up with out leaving anything to sample behind?" After quick thought, he pulled out a large flask and held out his arm. He had always wanted to try this since the doctor explained the process to him. "Focus on the intent and goal." With pushes from his mind, the blood, even the already drying portions, rose from the ground. It was hard a first but became easier as time went on.

Eventually Wes got all the blood into the flask. He prided himself on his efficiency. Not a drop was left. Next, Wes looked over to the thug, who was still out cold. He would have to search out for the other three, but he had to execute the final step before they spoke to anyone, even if they probably didn't see anything.

He flipped the top off his gun's holster, the Velcro making ripping sounds as he did so, and pulled out his pistol. "No witnesses. No proof Double D was here." Wes said coldly, aiming his gun and tightening on the trigger…


Not everyone at Café K took kindly to Kevin's return. In fact, it seemed no one did but Double D and Amy, the latter of which had no idea what the were mad at him about. He hoped that would change when he and Kevin had the time to explain. But that would have to happen after they got Eddy treated.

Nazz and Lee, the closest people they had to doctors, closed the door behind them as they left the bunk room. From the expression the others saw on their faces as they descended the stairway, it didn't looked good.

"How is he?" Double D asked.

Lee plopped down in a chair and sighed deeply. "He'll live, but those bullets did a number on his hands. They might never fully heal, in fact, that's the most likely outcome."

"What about those kicks?" Marie asked. Everything seemed to brighten up when Nazz and Lee smiled.

"Compared to what he's been through, those were nothing." Nazz said.

"Good." Double D said. Suddenly, he closed his eyes and agonizing wheels in his head started turning, pounding into his temples. "What the hell am I saying?! My friend might not be able to use his hands ever again and all I say is-"

"Double D." Someone said suddenly. He looked his side as a pair arms wrapped around him and he found Marie comforting him. He looked up and his vision blurred, but he could make out Rolf handing him a cloth.

"Toughen up, Sock headed one." Rolf said, thrusting a cloth in his face. "A grown man never cries!" Contrary to his own declaration, Rolf himself seemed to be on the verge of crying himself.

Double D accepted the cloth and began wiping away his tears before realizing something. When was the last time he had cried? He searched his memory, but could not remember anything. In fact, when was the last time any of them had cried?

"Don't listen to Rolf, Double D." Amy said. "Everyone has to cry once in a while, even if just to cry."

"Would you all quit being some damn wishy-washy!" Kevin shouted, cutting right through the conversation. "I don't know if any of you noticed, but you're down a sniper! And Ed is too big for the job you're trying to pull. The guard's would notice straight off!"

"Since when did you get the right to lecture us you traitor!" Jonny said, raising his voice. They had all heard Jonny get loud before, but the seriousness he put into it caught them all off guard. "You stabbed us in the back! I outta-"

"Jonny stand down!" Double D ordered as Jonny raised his fist. The stare that Double D was giving him made him lower it, reluctantly. "I'll explain what happened later, when Eddy wakes up. But right now, I order you all to put the problems of the past behind you." Double D stood up. The confused stares of his team sent pangs of regret through him. He wanted to explain it to them, but, as he said himself, it had to wait until later.

Double D decided it was best to continue on, mainly because he didn't want a brawl to erupt. "Kevin has a point, Eddy is our best sniper and the guards at the base are trained enough to spot Ed." He folded his arms and looked at his team. "We'll need a new one…"

He looked straight at Amy and looked at her sympathetically. "… If she's willing to help." Amy only smiled and nodded, gladly willing to help.

Double D sighed. "Now then, it's been an eventful day. I suggest we all get some rest." He just turned when he caught a glimpse of Kevin walking out the front door, eager to leave before another fight could (almost) erupt. Double D shook his head.

"Now look what happened. He's probably heading back to the barracks." Double D chastised himself. "If only you told when you had the first chance, Eddward!" He turned back to his team, who were beginning to go back to their daily routines.


Two hours later, they all were just going about the café, each teen doing their own order of business. Ed stayed by the bunk room's door, awaiting the moment Eddy awakes. Jimmy and Sarah, as usual, were busy making the newest menu. Nazz and May were in the kitchen, doing today's dishes while Lee calculated today's profits. The look on her face told Double D they didn't do so well today. Jonny, Rolf and Amy all sat around one of the café tables talking about weaponry and war tactics. Marie was in the garage, working on Double D's motorcycle. It seemed someone had put a dent in it while he left it unattended.

Double D, however, sat by his usual window, on his usual side of the table, with his usual cup of milk and calcium pills. However, he wasn't thinking his usual thoughts. He raised his hand and looked at it. He had gotten his unique power; it was just his luck that 'unique' didn't have an instruction manual.

He looked at his hand and hoped that trying to visualize the inside of it would help. He knew the name of every bone, muscle, tendon and nerve in it, but he made the wild guess that wouldn't help him. So he tried a new approach, he just simply focused on it, trying to make sheer willpower activate the power.

It seemed to be working, if only a little. He could make out the faint outlines of the bones. He made circles on the table with his finger and watched with intrigue as he flesh and muscle pushed back until a small amount of it came between the bone and muscle. He then unfocused, allowing the bone images to fade away, realizing how actually creepy it was.

"It's creepy, but it's progress." He muttered.

Now he focused on a different matter. A more serious matter. What could be Metchel planning?

"By all means, it doesn't make any logical sense." Then Double D remembered that Metchel was hardly ever 'logical.' "He convinces the government to fund his project to create X-ians, then goes rogue. Next he assists Van and some 'army' he has running, giving them equipment to make more X-ians and gets more weapons from the Niche." Double D rubbed his head. "Could he be planning a government takeover? No, that can't be it. Metchel is the type of man who doesn't have the slightest interest in politics."

Double D drank his milk and pills before resting his head on the table. This wasn't working. He needed more facts and he wouldn't be able to get them until tomorrow. Double D sighed greatly and continued his ponderings as he stared out the window. However, something out on the street totally stopped his trail of thought. There was a police car out on the other side of the street. The only two occupants, obviously members of the police force, were staring at the café.

No… More precisely, they were looking directly at him.

Double D's and one of the officer's eyes locked for a moment, just a single moment. But that moment felt like years to them. The officer motioned for the other to get moving and Double D watched as the police car sped off. "Oh, my…"

"Do you think he saw us sir?" The chief's assistant asked.

The police chief, Theodore S. Peterson, grunted, mainly at the officer's incompetence. "He saw us all right, and I looked him in the eyes." Theodore pulled out his gun and checked the magazine making sure it was full and ready.

"We'll return tomorrow night." The chief said. "My gut tells me that they'll be busy during the day."


Author's Notes: So here's chapter 9. I hope you liked it. You will now be seeing a lot a Kevin from now on. And with that, I'm gone. Happy Halloween!

P.S. Be on alert during November! Death NotED will return yet!